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The charge applies whether they are using a TV set, computer, or any other equipment.

Licence fee payers will receive a payment plan or a reminder reflecting the new amount when their licence is next due for renewal.

(Image: Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

Those buying or renewing a licence after April 1 will pay the new fee while those already buying a licence on an instalment scheme which started before April 1 - such as monthly direct debit or weekly cash payments - will continue to make payments totalling £147 until their licence comes up for renewal.

TV Licensing, the body tasked with collecting the fee, will be advising licence fee payers due to renew in March to pay on time so that they will pay the current rate of £147.

Those buying a new licence before April 1 will also pay the current rate.